KEY POINTS

  • Calls for reprieve on Nathaniel Woods' case have been ringing over the past few weeks as he is set to die Thursday night by lethal injection
  • Alabama governor Kay Ivey has received multiple letters from Woods' supporters in efforts to lift the execution sentence
  • Woods was not the triggerman in the murders of three cops in 2004

Nathaniel Woods, who was convicted of capital murder for his involvement in the murders of three police officers in 2004, will be executed at the Holman state prison in Alabama by lethal injection.

According to the Associated Press, Woods’s execution will push through on Thursday night unless courts or the state governor decides to make an intervention. Woods was not the trigger man in the killings of the three cops.

Prosecutors said during the trial of Woods that he assisted Kerry Spencer in setting up an ambush against police officers Charles R. Bennett, Harley A. Chisolm III, and Carlos Owen. Spencer was the one who pulled the trigger when the scuffle took place at a suspected drug house.

Woods’ lawyers argued during trial that their client did not receive a fair trial and the proceedings came with many errors. However, state attorneys said deputies found song lyrics focused on killing in his cell.

The case gained the attention of activists who believe Woods’ execution should not push through since it was Spencer who pulled out the rifle that killed the police officers.

Among the people who called on Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to block the execution was Martin Luther King III. King wrote a letter of appeal to Ivey, asking the governor to reconsider the case and possibly commute Woods’ sentence.

According to CNN, King wrote in the letter that the state where he was born in was set to execute a person “who is very likely innocent.” He added that the “mishandling” of Woods’ case could bring about “an irreversible injustice.”

Aside from King, Bart Starr Jr. has also expressed his support for Woods. He told CNN affiliate WBRC that while the events that transpired during and after the cops’ deaths was a tragedy for the deceased families, another potential tragedy may be at hand in the form of Woods’ execution.

Support for Woods has been pouring from activists but state attorneys have been firm on their stand to serve the sentence.

Over 72,000 people signed a Change.org petition asking for reprieve in Woods’ case. A website was also set up to provide the inmate’s supporters with an easier way to send their letters of appeal to Ivey.

Ivey’s office has yet to respond to multiple requests for a comment on the case and the appeals to lift Woods’ execution sentence.

RELATED STORIES